Definition

An absent pulmonary valve is a rare heart defect.

In a normal heart, blood flows from the body into the right atrium and on to the right ventricle. Blood is then pumped out of the heart through the pulmonary artery to the lungs. The blood picks up fresh oxygen in the lungs. The blood returns to the left atrium of the heart and goes into the left ventricle. There it is pumped out through the aorta to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

With this defect, the pulmonary valve does not develop properly. The opening where the valve should be is also narrowed. The defect causes the blood moving from the right ventricle to the arteries leading to the lungs to build up. This build-up causes swelling of these arteries that can put pressure on the air passages in the lungs.

The electrical activity of your child's heart may be tested. This can be done with
electrocardiogram
.

Treatment

Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your child. Treatment options include:

Surgery

Surgery aims to improve function and blood flow. In milder cases, closing the septal defect may be all that is needed. In other cases, surgery may be needed to repair the valve. A human or synthetic valve is used to replace the defective pulmonary valve.

Lifelong Monitoring

After surgery, your child will need to have regular visits with a heart doctor. Your child may also need to take antibiotics before some medical or dental procedures to prevent a heart infection.

Prevention

In most cases, there is no way to prevent absent pulmonary valve in your child. Getting proper prenatal care is always important.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.